Saxo Bank-SunGard In Dauphiné Libéré With Motivated Line-up

Dauphiné Libéré is a French stage race which traditionally is being used as a warm-up race prior to the Tour de France. The race allows the tour riders to develop the last piece of sharpness before taking on the big French battle in July.

Saxo Bank-SunGard were on the start line with Laurent Didier, Volodymir Gustov, Nicki Sørensen, Chris Anker Sørensen, Brian Vandborg, Juan José Haedo, Lucas Sebastian Haedo og Rafael Majka to take on the 5.4 kilometer short prologue in the streets of Saint Jean-de-Maurienne.

“We had poor conditions during the prologue as it rained most of the day giving the peloton different conditions and especially Laurent (Didier) suffered in the corners on the descent. But it’s a great group of Saxo Bank-SunGard riders and even though we don’t have a man for an overall great result, some of the guys are highly motivated. Gustov (Volodymir) and Laurent (Didier) are in great shape after the Giro and let’s not forget about Rafael (Majka) who’s really shining at the moment. Later this week, the Haedos might get a fair chance of demonstrating their sprinting skills as well,” said Saxo Bank-SunGard’s sports director, Bradley McGee after the initiating prologue.

And Saxo Bank-SunGard climber, Chris Anker Sørensen has found his objective in the race:

“I have had a break from racing and I’m in this race as a part of my build-up for later this summer but I think the two stages next weekend are looking pretty interesting. Saturday we’re doing the queen stage – a very tough course and the following day, we’re climbing to Montée de la Toussuire where I won the stage the last time there was an uphill finish there so naturally, I would like to do a good result there again,” said Saxo Bank-SunGard’s Chris Anker Sørensen.